Training session launches new club

BOURNE-DEEPING Hockey Club held their first training sessions since the merger of the two town’s clubs, in the pouring rain on Saturday.

The day was the inaugural event since the merger of Bourne and Deeping hockey clubs at the end of last season and provided a chance for junior and seniors to train as well as enjoy the social side of hockey.

In the morning session, the junior members took part in a coaching session run by the senior coaches, practising basic techniques and skills and after that the senior players took part in a skills and drills session followed by a mini-tournament.

A barbecue, shirt auction and quiz followed at the Red Lion in West Deeping, giving members time to dry out their clothes, and re-hydrate their bodies.

Former Deeping player, Stewart Dacre, who will play for the new side, said: “We had in the region of 40 people with a few new potential members joining current players.

“It was a chance for players from the two previous clubs to get to know each other. The men’s and ladies’ teams are already playing in a seven-a-side league in Uppingham as a way of getting know how each other play.

“Everybody was having a laugh on Saturday. It was so wet while we training and once we finished the sun came out.”

The club’s social hockey night continues at Deeping Leisure Centre artificial surface on Monday evenings between 8 and 9pm. All players, including those who are new to the sport, anyone who last played at school and more experienced players looking for competitive games, are welcome.

l ENGLAND coach Dain Lewis, will run coaching sessions at the club on two Sundays, August 7 and 14.

Ladies training will be from 9.30am until midday, and men’s from noon until 2.30pm. All sessions will be at Deeping Leisure Centre.

Mr Dacre said: “The opportunity to receive advice and development from an England coach does not happen every day. Everyone is welcome.”

l THE club plans to run five men’s teams and three ladies teams with fixtures league fixtures beginning in September.

The man’s 1st team start away against St Ives 2nd XI on September 24, while the ladies begin their campaign a week earlier with a game at home to Sudbury on September 17.

Pre-season training continues with a social hockey night on Monday evenings at Deeping Leisure Centre with junior sessions (7-8pm) and seniors (8-9pm). For more information about the club call Simon Wilmot on 07711 212746 or e-mail bdhc@hotmail.co.uk.